SOUTHALL MP Virendra Sharma has called for unity and an end to 'anti-Islamic rhetoric' which has surfaced following the murder of a soldier in Woolwich.

The MP's words follow a horrendous incident in Woolwich on Wednesday, in which a British soldier was beheaded in what appeared to be a politically motivated attack - and two suspects were shot by police, and are currently in hospital under armed guard.

Mr Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall, expressed his condemnation of the actions of the attackers and of all forms of extremism.

He told the Gazette: ‘I am deeply saddened by the shocking attack in Woolwich yesterday. I wish to send my sympathies to the family of the victim who bravely served this country.

"These attackers are not in any way representative of the Islamic faith and it is wrong for anyone to engage in anti-Islamic rhetoric. The intent of this act was to stir up hatred and fear and it is distressing to see certain groups using this attack as an excuse to stigmatise and divide. We should all unite together to condemn this attack and any form of extremism."